Birthday celebrations

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR SHIREHAMPTON MARKETS

Shirehampton Markets celebrate their 3rd Birthday on Thursday 1st September at their ‘High Street Market’. This is quite an achievement having overcome lock downs and the lingering Coronavirus and now the ‘cost of living crisis’ which is facing everyone at this time.

The first secret behind Shirehampton Markets success is that it is a monthly Community Market with additional seasonal Community Fayres three times a year, which has the support of the local community, not only in Shirehampton but also the additional ‘Four Villages’ communities of Avonmouth, Sea Mills, Coombe Dingle, Kings Weston and Lawrence Weston. Customers attend the markets beyond this area too. The second secret is, Shirehampton Markets work together with SCAF (Shirehampton Community Action Forum) to run their events and volunteers Katherine Birth, Kathryn Courtney along with Ash Bearman who is SCAF’s Community Development Officer, are the Management Team.

This birthday celebration is to bring the local communities together to have a fun time together and have an enjoyable day that not only has market stalls to browse but games to play – giant snakes and ladders, bounce, buzz wire and card games – painting poppies, colouring books, sudoku, word searches and D.I.Y face painting. There is also a ‘Find The Sunflowers’ hunt that children can take part in – and yes adults if they want to! – to find 15-character sunflowers in shops and business along Shirehampton’s very own High Street. The prize for completed sunflower searches is a bag of pick n mix sweets. All are winners with this game, and it is a bit of family fun as well as discovering some great shops we have in the village.

For bike owners they also have Dr. Bike at their market providing free bike repairs as well as advice. If you have a bike that needs to be fixed or in need of a bit of TLC then pop in and see Sam. The third and final secret is the market stall holders. They have become very much a ‘Market Family’ which include the Market Management and their volunteers. All look out for and look after each other. This adds to the welcoming community atmosphere where families, friends and neighbours meet up for a catch up, a cuppa and a piece of cake. The stall holders and customers are now on first name terms as well. It is certainly community orientated. There is a Fishmonger, a garden/house plants stall, hot food to eat in or take away, - Jamaican & Sri Lankan, as well as mini pancakes served with toppings of your choice, all being the best street food in Bristol, - clothes for young children and adults, homeware, ceramics, jewellery, arts and crafts & more all being sold at affordable prices. Shirehampton Markets pride themselves in supporting small local business, fair trade and environmentally friendly products including upcycling. Don't forget their Market Kitchen where beverages and refreshments are served along with a selection of fabulous, tasty homemade cakes by Sherralee, which includes a gluten/dairy free option. For their birthday celebrations they are bringing back the cream teas along with birthday cake as well.

For one day only Shirehampton Markets want you to forget the doom and gloom, and join in their birthday celebrations with smiles, laughter, fun, games, and a wonderful day out for all. So, pop along and follow their balloon trail to the Tithe Barn, walk through the door and absorb that welcoming community atmosphere. An order of sun, warmth and blue skies has also been placed. As always, it is free entry, is family and disability friendly and all welcome wherever you are in Bristol. See you there soon!! The High Street Market takes place on the first Thursday of every month. Birthday celebrations are happening on Thursday 1st September from 10am until 3pm at the Tithe Barn, High Street, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 0DE.